I came across some fun pictures of Christmas through the years..trip down memory lane, shall we?
2007. For some reason, I have no pictures of Greg & I's first Christmas together.. That was probably back when I did not realize how important these memories would be. ha! Moving right along.
2008. We had gotten engaged in August so we spent our time running back and forth between both of our families. Christmas Eve in Tennessee then back in North Carolina. And Christmas Day we were all over the place!
with my Cousin Chloe in TN.
Stockings on Christmas Eve at Greg's house!
Greg's family on Christmas Day.
Christmas Day.
2009. First Christmas as husband & wife. Greg was away at airborne school until 18 Dec so I was staying with my parents. He graduated and we arrived home and spent our Holidays with both families. Again in Tennessee and North Carolina. This was also our last few weeks in the South before our adventure up to Alaska. We left for AK on New Years Day.
While traveling home from GA, the south was hit with a huge snow storm and we had to leave Greg's car on the side of the interstate. The trusty Jeep brought us home and we had to go back the next day with Greg's brothers to dig the Mustang out.
Greg shoveled.
And I had a snow playdate with Landon.
It was the twin's first Christmas so I loved on Alex.
And Greg got a fur hat.
with Tash & Jade in TN!
Christmas Eve {one of my favorite pictures of us..ever!}
Stocking at Greg's house.
Christmas Morning with the nephews.
Christmas Day with the twinsies.
2010. By far, my most favorite Christmas of all time. Pretty ironic considering it was the first one I've ever spent away from family. Greg and I stayed in Alaska and celebrated with our Army Family on Christmas Eve & spent Christmas Day just the two of us. We started some new traditions and I cannot wait to pick them up where we left off! Do not get me wrong, I LOVE all the hustle & bustle of running between families. I know those days are cherished..but in 2010, Greg and I spent the day doing what it is meant for. Celebrating the birth of Jesus and just being with each other...relaxing and enjoying.
We had our first tree together..a real one at that!
We dressed up like crazies for a Tacky Christmas Sweater Party.
of course I had my signature tree upstairs.
I decked out every room.
Christmas Eve Dinner.
Stockings. Daddy. Baby. Mommy.
This year, we also had a new little nugget to buy for! We weren't sure if we were having a boy or girl yet, but we still had lots of fun buying up some baby items! Apparently so did everyone else in our family because Baby W got lots of fun things!
Pajamas.Presents.Pancakes.. Pajama Theme for 2010: Plaid
And to kick off 2011, Greg chopped & roasted our tree!
2011. And that brings us to now. Bennett and I will celebrate in Tennessee and North Carolina with both Greg's family and mine. I still have every intention of participating in our pajamas/pancakes/presents tradition. It will be the first year Santa will come to our family and I am beyond thankful all of Bennett's toys are easy to assemble! No bikes yet...hopefully Daddy will be home for that year! ;)
I think we all could agree that we are blessed far more than we deserve. Since Thanksgiving falls on the 24th, I'll go with that number for my list this year (in no particular order)...there are SO many more I could add.
1} I'm thankful for my husband. This man knows me so well..and loves me all the same. It truly is a mystery that I am lovable to that extent. We like to think back and discuss the earlier days in our relationship...it is astonishing how far we've come. I am so thankful he chose me. And if I had to choose again, it'd still be him. Time and time again.
2} I'm thankful for my husband's protection. Each new day when I hear from him by any form of communication my heart breaths a huge sigh of relief. Because at that moment, he is safe...and at that moment, I am grateful.
3} I'm thankful for my son and his health. Bennett is by far my biggest accomplishment and the best time I've ever spent. Every single second I put into raising him gives me the greatest joy...he's my purpose. His health is something that I do not take for granted. He is growing, he is happy, and he is loved.
4} I'm thankful for the Army. While I may not enjoy the time my husband spends away from home, the Army provides protection for our country, food, diapers, and roof over my son's head, healthcare, and opportunities of a lifetime. I'll feel this way about any career my husband ever chooses.
5} I'm thankful for hurtful people & pain. Recently, God has opened my eyes to how he can use every single situation for His plan. He sometimes gives us people to hurt us so we can appreciate the ones that treat us right. This song comes to mind...
"what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?"
6} I'm thankful for sweatpants. Especially on Thanksgiving night.
7} I'm thankful for the opportunity to stay home with Bennett for his first few years. I'm not sure how long I will be able to be a stay-at-home mom, but I am soaking up every minute of it. There are days where I think I might go nuts and need social interaction, or someone else to wash the bottles, or even a change of said sweatpants since I haven't gotten out of them in days. But this is a chance of a lifetime and I am appreciating it for everything it is.
8} I'm thankful for modern technology. Greg and I have been able to communicate so often and he's been able to see Benny grow, even if it is over a webcam or pictures on facebook. Our situation could be much worse and I'm so thankful that Greg makes the time to spend a few mintues with us. He recently told me that some of his co-workers thought he was crazy for Skyping with me everyday. It didn't really seem like an option for us to not talk? Our marriage is thriving even during this deployment and I feel so blessed. We both are making it our number one priority. A happy husband and wife can then raise a happy baby & have a happy home. There's so much I could say about this topic. Basically, I'm a firm believer that the marriage is the heart of the home...without a healthy one, all else falls apart.
9} I'm thankful for God. There is no way I could go through any day without Him. His grace, His forgiveness, His protection, His plan, His faithfulness...especially during this deployment.
10} I'm thankful for coffee.
11} I'm thankful for girlfriends. I know some of the greatest people of all time and it's proven more and more everyday. I recently was able to have dinner with 3 other girls that I went to elementary, middle, and high school with. Two of them I even went to college and lived with. As our lives have changed we have moved off, some married, some had children...but our friendship has remained. It doesn't matter how long I go without seeing or talking to these girls, when we get together it's like we're still sitting in the lobby at PHS having lunch together. I can't tell you how much this means to me. I also have been blessed with new friends along the years. Some from college, some from Alaska, some from work, some from random run-ins...not a day goes by where I don't appreciate them and their friendship. All of these people I would drop anything for, no matter how far away I am.
12} I'm thankful for Sunday dinners. Growing up, it's one of my favorite memories. Everyone would come home from church and sit down for a huge meal. My family doesn't get to have them as often due to crazy schedules and so many children, but Greg's family never fails to sit down every Sunday, hold hands to pray, and eat together. I so long for the day where Greg, Bennett, and I can come home from church together, hold hands, and bless our meal. It's a time to slow down and enjoy each other's company before another busy week starts.
13} I'm thankful for green bean casserole, sister shubert rolls, and cranberry.
14} I'm thankful that I'm someone worth dying for.
15} I'm thankful for having a son. I still love big bows, tutus, pink, and glitter...but Bennett is more than I could ever dream of. God knew exactly what I needed at this time in my life. I could not imagine my life without camo, orange, overalls, and boots.
16} I'm thankful for dirty dishes, dirty laundry, and dirty diapers. It means we have food, clothes, and a healthy baby.
17} I'm thankful for sequins. They make life so much prettier.
18} I'm thankful for my mommy friends. Nothing can make me feel better than the words, "oh, you too?". All of these people I consider in the category above about girlfriends. I know some of the best Mothers and it is awesome to have such people to look up to and help me along this crazy journey.
19} I'm thankful for Alaska. For without it, I don't think I would have ever realized just how awesome the Lower 48 is.
20} I'm thankful for my calendar. I'm crazy about keeping it updated and marking each and every day off. When I just "need a moment", I usually grab my calendar and look at it. I look at how far I've come, what I have to look forward to, and all the lovely orange x's.
21} I'm thankful for etsy. I know one good thing will come from this obsession & that's the fact that Bennett will never forget his name because it is on pretty much everything. ha! I cannot get enough of monogrammed and personalized things..must be the southern girl in me!
22} I'm thankful for my iPhone. So silly to some, but it has saved the day far more times than I can count.
23} I'm thankful for family traditions. I'm SO big on starting them with Greg & Bennett...we are just missing one piece to the puzzle.
24} I'm thankful for YOU. If you are reading this, I'm thankful that God put us in each other's path.
{any last names or exact locations of me or my husband have been removed for safety reasons}
John 15:13 states: “Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends.”
1LT Todd Weaver…{click HERE for his official website}
Born 22 October 1983
Killed-In-Action 9 Sept 2010, Kandahar Afghanistan
I’m not sure what it was that created the instant connection between LT Weaver and myself…
Maybe it was the fact that he held the rank of 1LT…the same rank my husband wears today.
Or maybe it was the fact that he was 26 years old when he died so honorably…my 26th birthday was this past Tuesday.
Or maybe it was the fact that his famous picture is the one of him holding his wife while kissing his infant daughter before he left out on a year-long deployment…my favorite picture of my husband is the one of him kissing his unborn son.
Or maybe it was the fact that he held the job of Executive Officer of a Company {XO in military lingo}…the same job my husband holds today.
Or maybe it was the fact that he graduated from the College of William & Mary…a place my husband and I visited several times during our short assignment at Ft. Lee, Virginia.
Maybe it was the fact that his young wife Emma frequently blogged about her pregnancy and military experiences..I too have a personal blog to help “get it out”.
Or maybe it was the fact that his last steps were on the dirt in Kandahar, Afghanistan…the same dirt my husband walks on today.
Or maybe it was the fact that he had to watch his daughter’s many first via video or webcam…my husband, too, will miss many “firsts”.
Maybe it was the fact that he requested to be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery…my husband too, has the same request.
Or maybe, just maybe, it was the fact that he wore proudly the American Flag on his right arm…the same flag my husband wears on his right arm.
My connection with LT Weaver is the same that I have with hundreds of thousands of troops…which is why I choose to honor him and his sacrifice this memorial day.
5 years ago if you would have told me I would become an Army Wife, living in Alaska, and having my first child while my husband was at war, I would have laughed. As sad as it is for me to admit…I was never very patriotic growing up. Unless you count singing “God Bless the USA” in a beauty pageant when I was younger, I was one of the many Americans who lived my day-to-day life with no acknowledgement of the sacrifices being made by so many…so many of you.
When I was reunited with Greg in 2007, that all changed instantly. He was called to serve. Like most of us do when following God’s will for our lives…we like to get our feet wet before diving in head first. Greg joined the Army Reserves and we enjoyed normal life with an occasional “drill weekend” on the side.
As things grew more and more serious in our relationship, we had to make a choice…or should I say, I had to make a choice. His choice was clear…he was a soldier and needed to fulfill the calling…Active duty. My choice wasn’t so clear. Am I willing to serve Him as his wife? Could I really move every 2-3 years? Could I really learn all the acronyms? Could I be the head-of-household during his time away? Could I fix broken cars, handle crisis with my Power of Attorney, shovel the driveway, and balance the checkbook? And most importantly, could I really raise my children without a father for several years of their lives pending deployments?
Clearly the answer was yes. When you’re in God’s will…you can surprisingly do more than you imagine. Since saying “yes” to his marriage proposal on August 2nd 2008, I can’t hear the national anthem without tearing up a little, or I can’t see the American flag without thinking of my husband’s right arm.
On 16 May, 2011 my husband’s brigade out of Alaska lost 3 brothers in Afghanistan. Specialist Melton, age 29. Private Tucker, age 26. And Private Pressley, age 21. These three men had been in country for only a couple of weeks.
My heart shattered when I heard the news…when I thought about their families left behind…and when I reflected on how it could have easily been me grieving. War is real, war is happening, and war takes lives. War also means that someone is giving the ultimate sacrifice so that you and I can go about our daily lives without fear. War means that someone is risking and someone is going so that you and I don’t have to…
So on this Memorial Day I not only honor LT Weaver, Specialist Melton, Private Tucker, Private Pressley and the rest of the fallen, but I honor anyone who has seen the ugly face of war. Either by first-hand combat or like me sees it on their spouses’ face.
I once heard this quote, as simplistic as it might be...
“A soldier does not fight because they hate what is in front of them…they fight because they LOVE what is behind them.”
Some of my husband’s words to me from his most recent letter were this, “I hope you know that everything I do, I do it for you and Bennett, our family.”
Thank you to the men and women who are serving or have served and did what you did for me and my family.
It is an honor to serve my husband as he serves this country…a man who stands, while many choose to sit. God Bless.
We had a great, quiet Christmas here in the Artic! We were unable to travel home this year due to some work scheduling so we spent the Holidays in our little home, surrounded by Army Family! I cannot even begin to tell you how blessed we are to have met such extraordinary people..I couldn't imagine life without them! I have met some of the greatest couples who I know will be lifelong friends, long after our time in AK is up! A lot of our great friends were able to travel back to the Lower 48 for Christmas, but there was a handful of us still around who enjoyed the Holidays together!
Tacky Christmas Sweater Party 2010 @ the O'Neill Household
sweet friends.
White Elephant Party 2010 at our house. Look at my awesome prize! :)
We hosted Christmas Eve Dinner at our house and we love having our home filled with people!
A new tradition we started! Our final Christmas just the two of us!
New Year's was spent at one of our friend's house and we rang in the New Year with some delish Apple Cider and then headed home cause I was pooped! We had a great time celebrating with such sweet friends and their house full of kids! I felt right at home with all the silliness...made me miss my nephews just that much more and got us both excited about the years to come! 2011 is an exciting/challenging year for us, but in the words of my sweet husband "I'm excited about us". Life is the best it's ever been, and even with the challenges to come I know we will continue to grow together, as a family.
And last but not least..as of yesterday, I'm in the 2nd trimester!
Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 14 Weeks
Size of baby: A Lemon
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 3 pounds, which I find is so crazy considering how much my belly is poking out!
Maternity Clothes: I have two pairs of Maternity Jeans that are like heaven right now!
Gender: Can't wait to find out this month! :)
Movement: Not yet...
Sleep: Ugh, averaging about 6 hours per week. No joke. I am miserable. I took Unisom for the first 2 months of my pregnancy and decided to come off of it since my morning sickness has decreased. I didn't realize how much it was affecting my body until I decided to try to go to sleep without it. I'm still holding strong by not taking it, but it has been pure exhausting!
What I miss: Feeling cute??
Cravings: Pickles and Apples!
Symptoms: Gagging all the time (embarassing) and lack of sleep.
Best Moment this week: Knowing that in 2011, I'm going to be a MOM!
First of all, thank you for all of the suggestions for my blog title! :) Greg and I are deciding on something and it will be up shortly...you guys are fabulous!
For this Christmas, Greg and I are really trying to get each other/family members items that they really want or need. You know you always get those presents that you have no clue what to do with..well, we wanted to change that! Soooo, we're creating a list for each other (and family) to shop off of! Especially since we will be u-hauling our stuff across the country immediately following Christmas, we really wanted to have items that we seriously wanted or needed. Without further adue, here's my list :)...
This Griddle from Target :) We didn't get one from our wedding and it would make life so much easier! Plus, Greg for real wants this item...like bad!
Not only is this movie hilarious, but it takes place in Alaska! :)
This was on our wedding registry at Target and we didn't get it..but I still have hope for this little thing! If you're like me, you HATE the way your hands smell after cutting onions...here's the perfect fix! I have no idea if this works well or not, but it seems like a good idea. haha :)
L.O.V.E these serving bowls. They were on our Registry at BB&B and we didn't get any, however, they have similar ones at Ross & TJMaxx for hardly nothing! I love how clean they look!
How adorable is this Vest from NY&Co? I want. very badly...
North Face Boots...NEED!! They have this pair at Marshalls for like 1/2 the price!
North Face Hat...NEED! :) You can't tell, but this one has ear flaps and is well, perfect! They also have a similar white one at Dicks Sporting Goods with ear flaps..I love that one too :)
The North Face Greenland Jacket. This is a huge, huge, huge NEED! I can't decide if I want the Pink Girl's XL or the White Women's Size. Most of my North Face gear {which I have excessive amounts of} is children's sizes simply because of the price difference...but I just can't decide if I want white or pink?!? Either way, this coat is perfection for me.
Longchamp's Tan Purse. Especially with short handles...it makes me melt.
Seasons 1&2 of Army Wives. I would classify this as a Need :)
A plaid scarf...like this one from F21!
I love mustard colored anything..including these flats from Target!
I'm moving to Alaska..helloooo, I NEED some warm house slippers :) These are from Target, but I love all the furry knock-off Uggs.
A long stripped cardigan like this one from AE. Lo from The Hills was actually caught wearing this one in Navy Blue.
Any plaid button-up from AE! And they are on clearance this week! I'll be doing good if I can stand not going to get one for myself & Greg. He LOVES them too!! I told ya it was going to be our "new style"..haha :)
Because it just doesn't get any better than this...VS PINK Army Hoodie & Boyfriend Pants.
And this is totally random..but I REALLY want this book! Their story is just the sweetest!
Ok, Sorry for the boring randomness, but my family and husband read this blog so it was the best place to put up a Wish List! :) I hope everyone is having a fabulous Wednesday!
